The Washington Commanders selected Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Styles, a 6-foot-5, 244-pound linebacker, is a First-Team All-American and All-Big Ten honoree who played a key role in one of college football’s top defenses. In his senior season, he earned high marks from Pro Football Focus for run defense, tackling (leading the FBS with a 92.2 rating), and coverage.
In the previous year, Styles recorded 100 tackles, six sacks, and a forced fumble, helping Ohio State win the national championship. NFL analyst Lance Zierlein highlighted Styles’ ability to disrupt blocks with strong hand techniques, his run-stopping strength, and his quickness and pursuit speed.
At the 2026 NFL Combine, Styles impressed with a 43.5-inch vertical jump—the highest for any player over 240 pounds since 1999. Beyond his athletic prowess, Styles demonstrated maturity and leadership, earning Ohio State’s “Block O” award for toughness, leadership, and character.
Washington’s defense struggled in multiple areas in 2025, including pass defense, run defense, and pressure generation. Styles’ versatility and man-cover skills are expected to address these weaknesses immediately. Notably, he was the only defensive player with at least 50 tackles to have a zero miss rate on tackles, a critical area where the Commanders ranked near the bottom last season.
In drafting Styles, the Commanders have targeted a young, impactful player to help strengthen their defense right away.
